Failed the NCLEX

Nursing Students NCLEX

Published

Hello everyone,

I see so many posts on people passing the boards their first try but unfortunately, I am one who didn't. I know I am not alone but I wanted to hear from anyone who may have had similar problems with anxiety in taking the NCLEX. I know for me I pushed myself way too soon to take the test after graduating, getting married, honeymooning and taking the test the following week.

After about question 88 I had a panic attack and my pulse started racing. I never recovered and the computer shut off at 155 questions. I had no idea how I did until today.

I plan on taking Kaplan's online course as my second prep class and hope it helps better than the first course I took.

So if anyone has any words of wisdom for me, I would appreciate it.

Here's to Abraham Lincoln who never gave up and neither will I.

Jacel

Dont give up hope. Take this break and relax as you learn and review. I too have not taken the NCLEX, but am a HUGE worrier. I love the idea's others gave you about Kaplan and Hurst reviews. In fact, I too will probably use them before taking my exam.

You sound as if you have a POSSITIVE attitude, that makes you one step ahead in this game we call life!

0 Votes

I was just wondering...what are the guidelines for how many times you can take the NCLEX? If you fail it the first time, how long do you have to wait till you can take it again? And how many times can you take it? Once you pass, do you ever have to take it again? Do you have to renew it or something? What if you get certified in Texas, but then you move to Utah or another state? Does each states have their own tests or what? How much is the test each time? Is it all multiple choice or are there essay or short answer? Thank you.

0 Votes

Seewhiterabbit,

Your question may get more attention if you post it as a seperate thread....

0 Votes

I have a friend that didn't pass the first time. She went in not knowing what to expect and she said she freaked out. She just took it again and passed!! I am sooo proud of her. You will do it too. Just try to relax and have confidence in yourself when you go in there. Also take the breaks!! They help a lot. I just passed mine last week. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!

0 Votes

MICU,

The website address you posted doesn't work, could this be the right address?

Thanks

0 Votes
Specializes in MS Home Health.

I am sorry you did not pass but do not give up.

renerian

0 Votes
Specializes in tele, stepdown/PCU, med/surg.

seewhiterabbit,

All those questions can be answered at ncsbn.org but I will try to answer some of them.

First of all, all states have reciprocity. This means that anyone in a certain state, can move to another and get a license without taking the NCLEX again; it is a national exam. If you fail, each state's board of nursing dictates how many times you can repeat the test. It usually is three or four times. If you fail, you have to wait 91 days before you take it again and must pay the $200 registration fee again.

Hope this information is helpful.

0 Votes
Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

Big warm hugs to you, Jacel. I don't even WANT to imagine the depths of your disappointment... it's everything we all feared.

But you HAVE what it takes, and you WILL succeed. You have already discovered what it was that caused you to fail, and next time you WILL be better prepared ! We know you can do this, and WILL do this ! Here's to you ! :kiss

0 Votes

Well all,

Thanks again for every consoling word and encouragement. It means a lot to me to know that nurses really do care about others, even in their own field. I hope to become a nurse that does the same.

I had to admitt that the largest emotion I have faced with this failure is embarrasment and that my pride was hurt. I have failed at things before, but never this important, and I could always link that failure to something I did wrong. Unfortunately, the thing I did wrong was move on with my life by graduating and getting married. In hindsight, I wish I would have waited at least a few weeks later to take the test, not one week after coming back from the honeymoon. I guess if anything, that is my only regret.

So in writing this reply, I now hope to encourage others who are in my position of failure, and I know there are others because they are the silent warriors who FIGHT to become nurses, and great nurses at that! Here's to us silent warriors and those not so silent who will always stand up for what is right. I know this will make me a better nurse and I welcome this failure because I will turn it into a SUCCESS!

Once again THANK YOU everyone for all the support through this really hard time.

Love you all,

Jacel

0 Votes
Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.
Originally posted by jacel311

I know this will make me a better nurse and I welcome this failure because I will turn it into a SUCCESS!

There ya go ! That's the spirit !

Sure, it's embarrassing and the pride gets injured... but you KNOW that you're not a "failure" ! You just had too much on your plate at the time you took it, and weren't emotionally prepared... that's all it was. The next time you WILL be, plus you already know what to expect, so that dread of the "unknown"will no longer be an issue, either. You'll do GREAT ! And we'll all be right here behind you, rooting you on !

0 Votes
Specializes in ED, Forensic, Long-term care.

AMEN to what Jnette said!

0 Votes

I am sorry you did not pass. Big hugs to you! I am sure you will be a great nurse! Unfortunately I don't think this test is "fair" in respect to testing you on nursing knowledge or if you compare it to tests you took in nursing school. Don't give up!!!

Sara

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment